Douglas Borough Council will, once again, be supporting Manx National Heritage’s open day programme at Douglas Town Hall on Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12.
Photos from the 1990s of Douglas town centre, illustrating the changes the capital’s main retail area have undergone, have inspired a ‘contemporary nostalgia’ theme to the displays, which continue with video footage of some of the highlights of the Council’s centenary year celebrations in 1996. Adding to the atmosphere will be highlights of the centenary meeting of the Council held on Saturday March 2, 1996 played over the Council Chamber’s sound system.
Also new for this year, the first-floor Members’ Room, formerly the reference room for the library, will be open, where light refreshments will be served in exchange for a donation to the mayoral charity appeal fund.
With local elections taking place in April 2020, which will see Council membership reduce from 18 to 12 and the number of Wards in the Borough of Douglas from six to four, Councillor Ritchie McNicholl will be giving three talks over the open day weekend about the history of the then Douglas Corporation, now Douglas Borough Council: one on Friday October 11 at 12noon and two on Saturday 12, the first at 11.30am the second at 12.45pm.
Along with these new attractions members of the public will be able to discover the stories behind some of the Town Hall’s interesting collection of artwork, artefacts and ceremonial items, view some of the original hand-drawn plans of the Town Hall and learn about the fascinating history of this landmark building that has been at the centre of civic life in the Borough since 1900.
The Council Chamber, Mayor’s Parlour, Committee Room and Members’ Room will be open to the public on Friday October 11 and Saturday October 12 from 11am to 2pm. Entrance free. (Disabled and lift access available).
Now in its 10th year the Manx National Heritage open day programme offers open access and guided tours to properties, lands and displays usually closed to the public.
